Rain expected this afternoon, although it may be freezing

The National Weather Service says rain will return this afternoon. Some areas may experience freezing rain at first, although NWS has lowered the possibility of that occuring on a widespread basis or at length.

However, NWS warned, if freezing rain happens, it could mean dangerous road conditions.

"Please be prepared to postpone your travel plans if freezing rain develops this afternoon," NWS warned. 'A couple hour delay is likely all you will need before conditions improve."

UPDATE/8:56 a.m. Thursday

A dense fog advisory by the National Weather Service has been extended until 10 this morning. The weather service warns that visibility may be at or below a quarter of a mile in places, and that freezing fog may cause icy patches on roadways and sidewalks.

Freezing rain remains a possibility for the afternoon, but by evening, temperatures should rise above freezing.

UPDATE/10:30 p.m. Wednesday

A dense fog advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for the central and south Willamette Valley, including McMinnville; it is in effect until 6 a.m. Thursday. The weather service warns that visibility may be at or below a quarter of a mile in places, and that freezing fog may cause icy patches on roadways and sidewalks.

In addition, freezing rain is possible from mid-morning to early afternoon on Thursday. By late afternoon, temperatures are expected to rise above freezing, and to remain above freezing overnight.

UPDATE/4:30 p.m. Tuesday:

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement stating there is a “growing possibility” for freezing rain late Wednesday night through Thursday evening.

However, forecasters remain uncertain about details.

“The most likely scenario brings a rather short-lived event with the primary focus across an area mainly north of Wilsonville,” the statement notes. “However there is a fair amount of uncertainty with this system in both timing and whether the bulk of the Willamette Valley receives the freezing rain,” and if so, for how long.

“This is a difficult forecast, as weather models rarely handle the vertical temperature erosion accurately,” the statement notes. “please continue to follow the latest forecasts as this situation evolves.

Forecasters said that “even under the worst case scenario” temperatures are expected to rise above freezing by later Thursday evening.

Wednesday's weather-related school announcements:

Sheridan: No. 3 Cherry Hill on snow route.

Willamina: Buses on snow routes.

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UPDATE / 1:20 p.m., Tuesday:

The on-again / off-again Wheatland Ferry operation continued Tuesday afternoon with news of another period of closure due to weather conditions, according to the Marion County Public Works Department. The ferry resumed operations briefly on Tuesday before the latest closure.

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UPDATE / 7 p.m., Monday:

YAMHILL — A fire supression system pipe froze and burst about 3:45 p.m. Monday, flooding a computer lab, and forcing closure of Yamhill-Carlton High School Tuesday.

The room and its contents sustained considerable damage, according to Principal Jim Orth. Carpeting in an adjoining hallway was also damaged.

A video shot by Orth with his iPhone shows water raining from the ceiling onto computers and other contents in the room.

Power was shut off to the entire school as a result of the incident.

A district maintenance crew was at the school until about 10 p.m. Monday cleaning up. The district also contracted with SERVPRO, a professional cleaning company, to assist with the clean-up process.

"They're helping us try to salvage some computers," Orth said.

It may take a few days before the district can determine the extent of the damage to the room and contents.

Students will have access to computers when classes resume Wednesday as there are two other computer labs, according to Orth.

A pipe also burst in the cafeteria which is shared by high school and intermediate school students. Damage was minimal, Orth said. He anticipated intermediate school students being able to each lunch at school Tuesday.